Introduction: Hypertension patients aged under 40 years have low awareness and under-diagnosis, hence poor blood pressure control. The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in men and women aged 26 to 35 years is 55% and 44%, respectively. This study aimed to provide information on the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension among young adults based on the basic health survey (Riset Kesehatan Dasar; RISKESDAS) in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the RISKESDAS 2018 with a total of 140,073 subjects aged 26-35 years. The characteristics of the subjects were presented as proportion. This study performed a chi-square test and involved multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression for all parameters with p-value <0.25 in the chi-square test. Results: This study reports the prevalence of hypertension among young adults to be 4.1%. A study also found that female (POR:=1.225 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.119-1.341), unmarried (POR=0.711; 95% CI:0.556-0.908), low-level education (POR=1.286; 95% CI:1.195-1.384), unemployed (POR=1.267; 95% CI:1.166-1.377), BMI≥25 (POR=2.472 (2.295-2.662), diabetes mellitus (POR=3.688; 95% CI:2.630-5.173), emotional mental disorder (POR=2.041; 95% CI:1.856-2.244), instant food consumption (POR=1.108; 95% CI:1.025-1.197) were related to the occurrence of hypertension among young adults. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among young adults was 4.1%. Females, married, low level of education, unemployed, BMI≥25, diabetes mellitus, having a mental disorder, and consumption of instant food altogether increase the risk of getting hypertension among young adults aged 26-35 years old.

Background and Aim: Emerging infectious diseases, with 75% originating from zoonotic sources, highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic underscored the importance of the One Health (OH) approach, especially in rural and ethnic communities where cultural practices and wildlife interactions may amplify zoonotic disease risks. This study determined the healthcare-seeking behaviors and wildlife interface of the Phu Thai ethnic group in Mukdahan Province, Thailand, to understand their cultural practices, zoonotic disease risks, and pandemic-related adaptations. Materials and Methods: From June to July 2023, a qualitative study was conducted in three villages of Nong Sung District, Mukdahan Province. Data collection included 3 focus group discussions (16 respondents), 6 in-depth interviews, and 5 key informant interviews, with a total of 27 respondents consisting of community members, leaders, and government officials. Thematic analysis was performed to explore cultural traditions, wildlife interactions, healthcare practices, and perceptions of COVID-19. Results: The Phu Thai people maintain a deep connection to cultural traditions, including ancestral rituals and wildlife use for food and ceremonies. While traditional practices such as consuming raw wildlife persist, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced their attitudes, leading to increased caution and community-driven preventive measures. Limited knowledge about zoonotic diseases and unsafe practices, such as handling wildlife without protection, were identified as risk factors. Accessibility to healthcare services was moderate, with language barriers and resource constraints posing challenges. However, the community demonstrated resilience by adopting local initiatives such as mask-making and remote traditional healing. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex interplay between culture, healthcare access, and zoonotic risks in the Phu Thai community. Enhancing culturally sensitive health education, promoting safe wildlife interaction practices, and leveraging the OH framework can reduce zoonotic disease risks while respecting traditional practices. The findings suggest that key stakeholders, such as community members, leaders, traditional healers, public health officers, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders, should be informed to gather their feedback and support in improving policies and regulations related to wildlife contact and practices. These efforts are expected to contribute to sustainable health outcomes and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (health and well-being) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019, emerging infectious diseases, healthcare-seeking behaviors, Mukdahan, One Health, Phu Thai, Thailand, wildlife interface, zoonotic diseases.

A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted to examine the factors influencing COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors and to describe the management model implemented in Mae Sai District, a Thai–Myanmar border community, from June 2022 to May 2023. Mae Sai reported 21,890 confirmed cases and 12 deaths during the pandemic, underscoring the severity of the outbreak and the need for an effective local management model. Quantitative results indicated that attitudes, social support, participation, and service accessibility significantly influenced preventive behaviors among the general public. Among volunteers, perception and attitude were also significant, whereas only social support and participation were influential among government officials. The management model identified in this study demonstrated effectiveness through its coordinated multisectoral operations, high community compliance, and rapid cross-border communication. The model consisted of five components: emergency preparedness drills, organizational management through district and subdistrict disease control centers, a unified incident command system led by the district chief, coordinated domestic and international operations, and enforcement of control measures at formal checkpoints, natural crossings, and within communities. Successful implementation depended on strong collaboration among government agencies, volunteers, private organizations, local communities, and partners in Myanmar. This framework may serve as a practical guideline for managing other communicable diseases and enhancing preparedness for future health threats.

Migrant workers face multiple health risks and barriers to healthcare access, influenced by socioeconomic, occupational, and legal factors. Myanmar migrant

Raksuda Taniguchi, Sulukkana Noiprasert, Wachiraporn Padungkiettiwong, Phitsanuruk Kanthawee, Kitiyawadee Srisim, Ekalak Sitthipornvorakul. J Pharmacopuncture 2025;28:211-8. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.211

Background and Aim: The Lua ethnic community in northern Thailand maintains distinctive spiritual beliefs, traditional healing practices, and close interactions with domestic animals, wildlife, and the environment. These culturally embedded practices may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors and create potential pathways for zoonotic exposure. This study aimed to identify spiritual beliefs, traditional healing practices, and human–animal–environment interactions that influence healthcare practices, perceived zoonotic risks, and potential exposure pathways among the Lua community in Thung Chang District, Nan Province, Thailand, within a One Health framework. Materials and Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted from October to December 2022 in a Lua community in Thung Chang District. Twenty-six respondents, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, participated in three focus group discussions involving 20 community members and six key informant interviews. Data were collected in Thai and the Northern Thai dialect using audio-recorded interviews and field notes. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was performed using NVivo 12.0. Codes were iteratively organized into categories and themes through multidisciplinary review and consensus. Methodological triangulation and community member checking were used to strengthen the credibility of the findings. Results: Spiritual beliefs were closely interconnected with ancestral, household, forest, field, and land spirits and continued to influence traditional healing and healthcare-seeking practices. Respondents generally used modern healthcare services but also consulted shamans and performed healing rituals when illnesses were perceived as spiritually caused or when recovery was delayed. Reported potential zoonotic exposure pathways included ritual slaughter and handling of domestic animals, direct contact with animal blood during house-spirit ceremonies, ritual use of dogs selected on the advice of the “Kha Jam,” hunting and butchering wildlife without personal protective equipment, and consumption of raw or undercooked domestic animal and wildlife products. These findings represent reported practices and biologically plausible exposure pathways; no clinical, serological, or pathogen testing was conducted. Conclusion: In the studied Lua community, cultural traditions demonstrated complex interconnections among spiritual beliefs, healthcare practices, animal contact, and environmental interactions. Culturally appropriate health education, community engagement, and One Health approaches, proposed here as implications of the findings rather than evaluated interventions, may help reduce potential zoonotic exposure while respecting local beliefs and traditional practices. Keywords: ethnomedicine, Lua, One Health, qualitative research, traditional healing, wildlife, zoonotic exposure, zoonotic risk.